Water Wells That Last

There are 12 modules in this workbook, many with worksheets for you to complete. There is a pocket on the back cover for storing our worksheets. The pocket on the front cover is for storing other well documents like your driller's report. Extra copies of worksheets are included in the back cover pocket. Some topics will be of more interest to you than others, but we urge you to start with Module 1 “Understanding Groundwater” and then move on to topics that relate to your situation.

A video has been developed to be used in conjunction with the workbook. To obtain the Water Wells That Last video, see page 92 in Module 12 “Other Resources”.

Module 1 Understanding Groundwater
Groundwater is vulnerable to overuse and misuse. With the information in this module, you will better understand the complexities of groundwater and can use and protect the groundwater on your land so that future generations can depend on the resource. You’ll also look at factors that affect the quantity and quality of groundwater.

Module 2 Planning Your Water System
Use this module to assess whether your water source can meet your needs. You will learn how to plan a water system designed to meet your needs today and in the future. Worksheets allow you to calculate daily and annual water requirements and take a farm
water supply inventory.

Module 3 Design and Construction of Water Wells
Although you need to hire a licensed water well contractor to design and construct your well and use suitable materials, it is important that you understand the process. You’ll learn about choosing a suitable well site, proper design and completion.

Module 4 Water Well Drilling Agreements
This module gives an example of items that you and your licensed water well contractor should discuss and agree to before starting any water well drilling.

Module 5 Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well
An effective monitoring program will identify changes in water levels and water quality. This module outlines how to measure water levels and water quality on an ongoing basis. A water well monitoring worksheet is included.

Module 6 Shock Chlorination
This module outlines the importance of shock chlorination for well maintenance. Shock chlorination is used to control bacteria in water wells. Uncontrolled, bacteria can cause reduced well yield, restricted water flow, staining, odours and plugging of water treatment equipment. This module outlines a procedure you can do yourself to shock chlorinate your well.

Module 7 Troubleshooting Water Well Problems
There are many causes of water well problems. This module outlines some of the causes and provides a troubleshooting guide. The troubleshooting guide identifies four symptoms — reduced well yield, sediment in the water, change in water quality and spurting household taps — and explains what to check for and how to correct the problem.

Module 8 Protecting Your Well from Contamination
Once a well is contaminated, it is difficult to remove the contaminant. This module aims at preventing contamination from poor well design and construction, old wells, well pits, farm water hydrants, inadequate sewage systems, seismic shot holes, over-application of manure or improper storage of manure or fertilizer, hazardous material storage, fuel storage tanks, pesticides and contamination during well maintenance.

Module 9 Plugging Abandoned Wells
Abandoned wells are a threat to groundwater quality and a safety hazard for children and animals. This module outlines the steps to plugging a well. Some steps you can do yourself and others you may want to hire a licensed water well contractor to complete.

Module 10 Groundwater Management
This module outlines how the province is protecting groundwater from overuse and contamination. It also covers groundwater licensing as well as strategies that deal with inventory, allocation, protection and conservation.

For more information about the content of this document, contact Murray Tenove.
This document is maintained by Deb Sutton.
This information published to the web on May 28, 2001.
Last Reviewed/Revised on April 23, 2018.